What are the responsibilities and job description for the Housing Navigator position at Union Station Homeless Services?
TITLE: Housing Navigator
DEPARTMENT: Programs
REPORTS TO: FSC Regional Coordinator
Employment Status: Regular Temporary Full Time Part Time
Reg. Hours Worked: 40 / Week, Non-Exempt
JOB SUMMARY:
The Housing Navigator provides services to support homelessness prevention and rapid rehousing for assigned program participants. The Housing Navigator develops a range of housing resources that meet the needs and circumstances of participants served by Union Station Homeless Services. The Housing Navigator assigned to direct contracts will perform all the duties as indicated in that contract and be assigned a supervisor.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS INCLUDE, but are not limited to the following:
- Manages a caseload between 25-30 participants that qualify for services on any given month
- Develops and implements crisis housing plans which include consideration of alternatives to entering the crisis housing system. If the family does not have an appropriate option for alternative housing, arrange for immediate crisis housing.
- Connects families to immediate supportive services as needed such as mental health, health, substance abuse, child care, employment, etc.
- Assists participants in accessing all suitable housing opportunities including rental subsidies, move-in assistance & private rental agreements.
- Acts as an advocate and negotiator for individuals with poor credit and poor housing histories, e.g., evictions, while establishing a professional relationship with property owners and managers.
- Provide information and instructions to participants regarding how to complete a housing application, housing search, tenant rights and responsibilities, including: observation of rental agreement rules.
- Maintains accurate records of clients’ participation and progress in program in accordance with agency regulations and expectations.
- Collects and makes resources on both traditional and non-traditional affordable housing units available for agency residents.
- Meet participants on a bi-weekly to monthly basis for continued support on housing needs based on Client Service Plan
- Works in coordination with Family Response Specialist to ensure enrollment in program
- Works in coordination with the Housing Liaison for participants to receive additional support in obtaining and maintain permanent housing.
- Assist with conducting housing inspections and issuance of monthly rental subsidy.
- Assist participants with budgeting skills to ensure that permanent housing is sustainable.
- Transport participants as needed to essential appointments or drive to meet them out in the field.
- Participates in agency and program meetings
- Other duties as assigned.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- Work indoors in temperature controlled environment and occasionally exposed to outdoor weather and driving conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
- Stand and sit for long periods of time; move and walk to various locations; climb stairs, stoop, kneel, reach, pull, push, bend, twist, and occasionally lift and or move objects. Use hands to finger, handle or feel.
- See, hear and speak clearly in order to give and receive information and instructions.
- Ability to interact with other employees, clients, customers and members of the public.
- Ability to work effectively under time constraints, prioritize work, multi-task, and adapt to changing work demands.
- Gather, analyze, synthesize, and classify information. Transcribe, enter, and post data.
- Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints.
- Requires use of a computer keyboard.
- Travel to off-site meetings and evening appointments.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Knowledge of transitional and permanent housing resources throughout Los Angeles County.
- Knowledge of housing issues in Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley preferred.
- Knowledge of HUD guidelines and experience working with subsidized housing programs such as Section 8, Shelter Plus Care, Rapid Re-Housing and others.
- Current knowledge of best practice models, including: Housing First, Mental Health Recovery, Harm Reduction, and Critical Time Intervention.
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
- Proficient in use of laptop computer and Microsoft Windows and Office software programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Ability to accurately enter client data and notes in HMIS database system.
- Creative problem-solving skills
- Proficient with office communication equipment and machines (telephone, copier, calculator, fax machine, personal computer, laptop, computer printer and scanner).
- Possess valid California driver's license and properly registered vehicle.
EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s Degree in social work or related field preferred.
- Three years of experience in social services required.
- Experience assisting low and very-low income individuals access affordable housing.
- Experience working with homeless individuals preferred.
- Bilingual: Desirable, but not required.
Union Station is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Housing Navigator
Union Station Homeless Services -
Irwindale, CA